Grass growth rates on farms across the country are sitting between 19 and 23kg DM/Ha/day, figures from the Teagasc PastureBase system show.
The system, which is used by farmers to record grass growth rates, presents an average daily grass growth rate for the four provinces in Ireland.
PastureBase was last updated on March 30 and it shows that farms in the Munster region had growth rates of 23kg DM/ha/day.
This was closely followed by Leinster-based farms at 22kg DM/ha/day, while Ulster and Connacht farms grew at 15kg DM/ha/day and 19kg DM/ha/day respectively.
Source: Teagasc PastureBase
In addition, figures from Met Eireann show that soil temperature and sunshine (radiation) levels are in a positive position.
For the week ending March 30, soil temperatures were 8.0-9.8 degrees Celsius in met stations across the country. Radiation levels were 17-43% above average levels in some locations.
Source: Met Eireann
And with temperatures of 10-15 degrees Celcius expected early next week, grass growth rates may match demand requirements on some farms – in other words Magic day.
A closer look at growth rates
A number of farmers from around the country contribute to the database. The majority of these are dairy farmers but a small number of beef and sheep farmers are actively involved in uploading growth rates also.
The system also provides information on grass growth levels achieved on a number of Teagasc research farms.
In 2016, PastureBase and Agrinet joined forces and it is hoped that 4,000 farmers will be actively measuring grass in 2018.
Nationally, the dairy, beef and sheep farms involved in the programme showed 40-50% variation – in terms of spring growth rates in 2016.
Last year, dairy farmers who recorded measurements under PastureBase grew in the region of 14t/ha, which has been very consistent over the last three years. However, the top 20 farmers were able to produce in the region of 16t DM/ha.